Whipping - First Timer

[richie722]

Hey Guys,

Went to buy a replacement jigging rod at Gander over the weekend for 1 that I lost over the side of the boat last week. Ended up getting the jigging rod + 2 whipping setups. I see everybody on the forum talking about whipping and they had the gear out on display, so I thought I would give it a shot. Got line counter reels so I can use them on dipsey rods as well if I decide to get into that too.

Went out last night a little north of the Marine City DTE plant to try the gear out. Set up in 21 ft of water, but no bites. I didn't stay out too long because I was with my wife and the mosquitos came out in full force. Ended up calling it around 10:00, which I think is about the time things get started with whipping from what I've heard. At least I was able to get the feel for the technique.

Couple questions:
1. What time of the year does whipping pickup and how late in the year does it go?
2. Any general pointers for a newbie?
3. Are the pencil plugs supposed to wobble? (Seemed like the pencil plug just sat straight while the Rapala on the end was wobbling like its supposed to).

Thanks,
Rich

[Joeker51]

Richie, check out Slick's Whipping 101 thread.;)

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144793

[Slick fishing]

1. You can whip all summer long

2. Pencill plug does not do much

3. slow down on your whip right now because th bite is lite or pause more between whips

[Michael Wagner]

I think you will like it :evil: I`m new to this whipping thing too, but it sort of grows on ya. Like Joe said check out Slicks whipping thread that spells it out pretty good and there are alot of folks on here more than willing to help out. Good Luck, Mike

[richie722]

Richie, check out Slick's Whipping 101 thread.;)

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144793

Yeah, I started with Slick's post to get the setup right. I was using exactly what was in his diagram. I didn't plan on catching anything last night, just wanted to get all the gear wet. Hopefully I can get out again this week for another stab at it.

Do most guys use rapalas? The company that makes the pole that I got (Grapentin) also made the pencil plugs and stick baits. I have rapalas already but picked up some of their stickbaits (fish stalkers) as well.

Slick,
How much "whip" should I do? Pull it up just a little off bottom or yank it hard a few feet at a time?

[Slick fishing]

yank it hard then let there be a pause for minute or less, it's kinda crazy right now.. Change up your cadence and see what works for you, I got ticked the other night becuase they are hiting so lite.. I would yank it as hard as I could as soon as they hit it real lite an a lot of times we would have a fish on:rolleyes:..Cya Slick

PS..Also you can try a smaller baits that also works well when they bite lite

[Ed Stringer]

Like Slick said the eyes are barely pinching the raps. A slow whip should get it done. Were in a new moon phase and the eyes will bite a little early in the nite.